Bird Mites

Bird mites (avian mites) are tiny parasitic arthropods that may bite humans when birds become unavailable. They can invade homes by the thousands when abandoned bird nests remain lodged into chimneys, attics, gutters or window mounted air conditioning units. Northern Fowl Mites (Omithonyssus Slyviarum) cannot survive more than a month without a host. Red Poultry Mites (Demanyssus Gallinae) can live up to nine months without a blood meal. In other words, certain species can present problems for homeowners long after an initial infestation is thought to be resolved. For this reason, fumigation with our cedar oil fog machine is highly recommended. The dry fog procedure penetrates unseen cracks and crevices in a way that traditional spraying methods can’t duplicate. Fogging will also eliminate the need to apply pesticides to walls with a mop. Bird mites are notoriously resistant to modern chemicals. A more mechanical method of killing is often necessary. All mites absorb air through breathing pores called sphericals. The aroma of our organic cedar oil formula triggers an instant danger response, forcing the arthropod to close its breathing pores. Direct spray application of our formula to couches, headboards and bed frames is also recommended, as bird mites often hide near places where warm bodies rest. After removing nests from gutters, spray the affected area with our outdoor concentrate to prevent residual mites from making their way into cracks and crevices outside your home. Remove birds from coops and cages before spraying or fogging. Allow the aroma to settle for a few hours before returning birds to their home.

More Facts About Bird Mites

SIZE AND APPEARANCE: For an idea of how big an adult bird mite can get, see the period at the end of this sentence. The color of a bird mite is translucent white. After a blood meal, it will turn reddish mahogany or reddish brown. Mite eggs are white in color and oval in shape, but they cannot be seen without the aid of a magnifying glass. The same applies to larvae and nymphs. Correct identification is difficult without a trained entomologist, as bird mites are hard to differentiate from rodent mites.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION: Stubby legs make it impossible for bird mites to jump. In outdoor environments, bird mites typically transfer to humans by way of crawling up pant legs or floating down from tree branches. They can also transfer to clothing when passing through shrub thickets and heavily forested areas.

ABILITY TO INFEST PEOPLE AND HOMES: Unlike scabies mites, bird mites are not thought to burrow under human skin. They are said to drop off after attempting to feed on humans. University websites tend to report that bird mites cannot get proper nutrition from human blood, but this notion is often disputed. In an article published by poultrykeeper.com, a Dr. George from the University of Lancaster is quoted as saying, “With regard to red mite feeding upon humans, it seems that this is actually more common than once thought. An increasing number of reports in the academic press are identifying cases of this, where red mite have also been found to infest other mammals, including rats and horses.”

In a 2008 report written by Russel Goldman and published by ABC World News, a Long Island woman was said to be placed in a quarantined hospital room after emergency workers found her skin crawling with nearly invisible parasites that doctors believed to be bird mites. As for anecdotal reports from callers who raise chickens, we’ve encountered many people who claim that bird mites can persist inside bird free homes for years. Sick or elderly individuals with compromised immune systems are more likely to report burrowing sensations than healthy individuals living under the same roof.

For a qualified verdict on the bird mite’s ability to infest homes and persist on people, it may be helpful to consult a local veterinarian. University entomologists who don’t specialize in mites may be hesitant to speak to random callers. Veterinarians tend to have extensive experience in dealing with pet birds, rodents, dogs and cats. For a fee, it’s possible to enlist a Veterinarian’s help in identifying samples collected from skin and bedding.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: A bite from a bird mite often produces intense itching. Other symptoms may include crawling sensations and sudden pricks. Bird mite bites look like pimples or red bumps surrounded by pinkish circles.

DISEASE TRANSMISSION: Red poultry mites (D. Gallinae) are suspected of passing Newcastle Disease to other birds, both in the wild and in caged environments. Red Poultry Mites can also transmit salmonella bacteria to people and equine encephalitis to horses.

Treatment Instructions

TREATMENT OF HOMES: Spray carpets, couches, bedding and bed frames with Dr. Ben’s Evictor, our indoor formula. This formula is specially formulated not to stain fabric. Pay special attention to cracks and crevices around baseboards and be sure to treat the seams where walls and ceilings meet. For chronic or advanced infestations, the use of our cedar oil fog machine is highly recommended.

TREATMENT OF CHICKEN COOPS: Remove birds from their housing facility. Spray Dr. Ben’s Evictor, our indoor formula, evenly over floors and walls. Pay special attention to cracks and crevices around baseboards and be sure to treat the seams where walls and ceilings meet. Allow the aroma to settle for a few hours before returning the birds to their environment. For chronic or advanced infestations, the use of our cedar oil fog machine is highly recommended. The low molecular weight of a dry fog helps to deliver more product to unseen cracks and crevices.

DIRECT TREATMENT OF BIRDS: Spray gloved fingertips with Dr. Ben’s Evictor or Dr. Ben’s Paws and Claws formula. Gently rub the product into feathers, legs and hindquarters. Pay special attention to hidden areas under wing folds. Do not apply this product near a bird’s face or eyes. Direct inhalation should be avoided. Remove birds from coups and cages before fogging or spraying with this or any other pesticide product. To avoid mite bites, wear gloves, long pants and long sleeves when handling birds. Spray clothing with our non-staining formula to repel mites that may land on you while handling infested birds.

TREATMENT OF HUMANS: Spray Dr. Ben’s Evictor or Dr. Ben’s Paws and Claws formula directly onto your skin, avoiding the face and eyes. Allow the treatment to remain on your skin until your next shower. Repeat daily until all signs of infestation are gone. If necessary, a generous amount may be applied to the hair and scalp. Place a shower cap over saturated hair and leave in place for an hour.